Li&flAftr 
OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

28  A U 61 91 4 


NORMAL , ILLINOIS . 


BLOOMINGTON,  ILL.  : 
PANTAGRAPH  BOOK  ROOMS. 

I87I. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/statenormaluniveOOilli 


c 

3i.‘£~E  i 


The  State  Normal  University  was  established  in  1857,  and  went  into 
operation  on  the  first  Monday  in  October  of  that  year.  Its  object  is  “to 
qualify  teachers  for  the  common  schools  of  this  State,  by  imparting  in- 
struction in  the  art  of  teaching,”  and  in  the  various  branches  of  study  re- 
quired in  the  different  grades  of  our  schools.  Since  its  organization,  2,08-1 
young  persons,  many  of  them  graduates,  have  been  connected  with  its 
classes.  The  average  time  of  attendance  has  been  about  one  and  a half 
yoars.  In  the  Model  Schocl  the  total  number  from  the  beginning  has 
been  2,360,  making  for  the  grand  total  of  different  pupils,  not  counting 
the  present  year,  4,444. 

During  the  last  term,  there  were  in  attendance  in  this  institution  in 
the  Normal  Department, 

Gentlemen, 112, 

Ladies, 197, 

Total, 309 

lu  the  Model  School, 

Males, 109, 

Females, 75, 


148. 

Total  in  the  University, 493 

In  the  Normal  or  Teachers’  Department,  seventy  of  the  counties  of 
Illinois  are  now  represented.  At  some  time,  since  the  establishment  of 
the  University,  every  county  in  the  State,  with  a single  exception,  has  had 
representatives  among  its  professional  students. 

The  number  in  attendance  in  the  Fall  Term  of  1862  was,  in  the 
Normal  Department  138.  For  the  corresponding  term  in  1870,  it  was 
309. 

The  first  graduating  class,  in  1860,  numbered  10.  The  last, in  1870, 
numbered  27. 


PRESENT  CONDITION  AND  PROSPECTS. 

The  University  is  now  educating  a larger  number  of  teachers  than 
have  before  been  under  its  tuition.  The  Model  School  is  in  a state  of 
the  highest  efficiency.  Indisputable  evidence  exists  that  the  services  of 
our  students  are  valued  by  the  people.  One  of  these  proofs  is  the  con- 
stant increase  in  the  number  of  our  pupils.  During  the  present  year 
this  has  been  more  marked  than  in  any  previous  year.  At  the  Septem- 
ber examinations,  fifty  applicants  for  admission  were  rejected,  on  account 
of  a raising  of  the  standard,  most  of  whom,  in  previous  years,  would  have 
been  admitted.  And  yet  the  number  in  the  Normal  Department,  at 
the  present  time,  exceeds  by  seven  that  of  the  highest  corresponding  pre- 
vious term. 

But  we  have  a still  more  unerring  proof  of  the  same  fact.  By  the 
Sixth  Deport  of  the  Superintendent  of  Instruction,  it  appears  that  the 
average  wages  per  month  of  male  teachers,  throughout  the  State,  for  the 
period  covered  by  the  report,  was  $38,  and  of  female  teachers  $24. 
In  answer  to  a recent  circular  of  the  President  of  the  University, 
the  amounts  of  three  hundred  and  seventy-one  different  salaries,  paid  to 
our  graduates  and  students,  have  been  returned.  From  these — all  that 
have  been  returned — it  appears  that  our  young  men  get,  on  an  average, 
$74.09  per  month — nearly  twice  the  general  average  of  all  male  teachers; 
and  our  young  ladies,  $40.07,  also  nearly  twice  the  general  average  of 
female  teachers.  It  is  undoubtedly  true  that,  since  the  collation  of  the 
facts  in  the  sixth  report,  salaries  have  advanced  in  this  State.  But  is  it 
likely  that  they  have  advanced  one  hundred  per  cent?  If  not.  then  the 
people  of  Illinois  have,  of  their  own  free  will,  exhibited  their  confidence 
in  the  Normal  University  by  paying  a money  premium  on  its  wares.  For 
there  is  no  law,  save  that  of  supply  and  demand,  that  compels  our 
people  to  pay  Normal  students  higher  wages  than  are  paid  to  others. 
And  this  consideration  acquires  double  force  when  it  is  remembered 
that  the  very  highest  places  are,  of  necessity,  as  yet  out  of  the  reach  of 
most  of  our  pupils.  Only  eight  years  have  elapsed  since  the  gradu- 
ation of  the  first  class.  As  things  are  usually  measured,  this  is  a period 
far  too  brief  for  reaching  the  top  rounds  of  the  professional  ladder.  And 
yet.  among  the  salaries  reported  are  two  of  $2,000,  two  of  $1,800,  six  of 
$1,500^  eleven  of  $1,200,  one  of  $1,400,  and  seventeen  of  $1,000.  These 
figures  were  compiled  two  years  ago.  If  taken  now,  the  showing  would  be 
more  favorable. 

Again,  the  same  thing  is  indicated  by  another  comparison.  The 
average  wages  of  such  pupils  as  could  be  reported,  who  had  taught  before 
attending  theTNormal  and  afterwards,  were  as  follows  : 

BEFORE  ATTENDING. 

Young  Ladies,  $28  00  per  month 

Young  Men. 41  08  per  month. 

AFTER  ATTENDING. 


Young  Ladies, 
Young  Men,... 


$39  23  per  month. 
01  28  per  month. 


(5) 

Giving  an  increase  in  the  case  of  young  ladies  of  40  per  cent.,  and  of 
the  young  men  of  47  per  cent.,  as  a result  of  a limited  Normal  training. 
These  reports  were  made  concerning  students  who  have  returned  to  the 
school,  and  whose  incomplete  work  did  not  enable  them  to  attain  the 
highest  success.  They  will  make  a greater  gain  upon  their  former  suc- 
cess and  former  salaries  when  they  have  completed  their  work  in  Normal. 

It  seems  from  these  two  comparisons  that  the  young  men  have  made 
greater  gains  in  salary  by  their  attendance  upon  the  University  than  the 
young  ladies  This  is  easy  of  explanation.  From  four  hundred  and  thirty- 
four  returns  made  to  circulars,  it  appears  that  our  young  men  remain 
with  us,  on  an  average, four  and  three-quarters  terms,  and  the  young  ladies 
four  and  one-quarter  terms  This  makes  for  the  former  an  average  of 
more  than  a year  and  a half,  and  for  the  latter  of  nearly  a year  and  a half 
Now,  remembering  that  many  of  our  students  are  teachers  of  experience 
before  entering  the  Normal,  it  will  be  manifest  to  all  that  great  benefit 
may  be  conferred  upon  them  by  instruction  covering  the  length  of  time 
here  indicated.  They  come  with  a clear  apprehension  of  their  own  wants, 
and  are  therefore  prepared  to  use  to  the  very  best  advantage  the  opportu- 
nities presented  to  them.  Of  those  now  in  school,  47  per  cent,  have  had 
more  or  less  experience  as  teachers.  And  at  this  time  in  the  3rear,  the 
percentage  of  experienced  teachers  among  the  pupils  is  the  least.  In  the 
spring  term  it  is  the  largest.  At  that  time  the  young  men  come  in  from 
their  winter  schools,  and  it  usually  happens  that  almost  every  member  of 
the  new  class  pays  his  way  with  the  money  just  earned  in  the  school-room. 

This  institution  has  been  in  existence  thirteen  years.  During  that 
time  it  has  given  instruction,  in  the  Normal  Department,  for  a longer 
or  shorter  period,  amounting  on  an  average  to  one  and  a half  years 
each,  to  2084  young  persons,  not  counting  those  admitted  this  year. 
Most  of  these  are  now  probably  teaching  in  the  schools  of  the  State.  Of 
this  number  145  have  received  the  highest  honors  of  the  institution  in 
that  Department,  and  besides  these,  15  have  graduated  in  the  High 
School.  Of  the  Normal  graduates,  29  only  are  not  teaching,  and  of 
these,  6 arc  deceased  and  IB  are  ladies  who  have  married  after  doing  a 
reasonable  amount  of  teaching.  This  leaves  10,  who  have  deliberately 
left  the  profession,  or  less  than  7 per  cent,  of  the  whole  number  of  Nor- 
mal graduates  And  eveu  of  these,  there  were  none  who  did  no  teaching, 
and  some  taught  for  a number  of  years.  In  the  Model  School,  instruction 
has  been  given  to  2,360  pupils,  of  whom,  as  above  stated,  15  have  re- 
ceived the  diploma  of  the  High  School.  \Vc  have  no  means  of 
definitely  ascertaining  the  precise  number  of  our  students  now  teaching 
in  the  State.  Two  years  ago  it  was  estimated  at  800.  Perhaps  the  ad- 
ditions since  made  would  amount  to  100  for  each  year  in  excess  of 
the  withdrawals,  thus  leaving  now  in  the  field  as  teachers  one  thousand 
persons  from  the  Normal  Department,  who  enjoyed  the  advantages  of 
the  University  for  an  average  period  of  one  and  a half  years. 

But  the  influence  of  the  institution  as  a teaching  force  is  by  no 
jpeans  limited  to  the  Normal  Department.  31  any  teachers  go  forth 


from  the  Model  School.  An  investigation  of  the  facts  discloses  the 
somewhat  unexpected  result  that  25  per  cent,  of  the  students  of  the 
High  School,  and  33^  percent,  of  those  in  the  Grammar  School,  en- 
gage in  teaching 

The  truth  is,  that  the  teaching  spirit  has  taken  stronger  hold  of 
all  our  pupils  in  these  later  years  than  formerly.  They  have  a high 
appreciation  of  the  dignity  and  importance  of  the  profession.  Young 
men,  able  to  take  distinguished  positions  in  any  occupation,  choose 
teaching,  and  enter  upon  it  with  enthusiasm.  The  feeling  becomes,  con- 
tagious, and  all  experience  it.  Among  other  manifestations  of  it  is 
this : I have  received  a number  of  applications  already,  for  permission 
to  take  classes  next  term.  In  the  olden  time  it  required  much 
urging,  and  some  more  positive  dealing,  to  induce  pupils  to  take  classes 
at  all. 

Another  circumstance  may  be  mentioned  as  an  indication  of  the  con- 
fidence of  the  public  in  the  character  of  the  institution,  and  that  is 
that  the  demand  for  our  pupils  and  graduates  for  teachers  is  constantly 
on  the  increase.  This  year  we  have  scarcely  been  able  to  supply  a 
tenth  part  of  the  calls  made  upon  us. 


FINANCES. 


The  finances  of  the  University  are  in  asound  and  healthy  condition. 
Our  expenses  have  been  kept  within  the  limit  of  our  appropriations 
and  other  means.  This  year,  for  the  first  time,  we  have  been  able  to 
pay  our  instructors  with  almost  entire  regularity.  The  salaries  have 
been  paid  once  a month  ; and  at  this  moment,  with  something  of  a bal- 
ance iu  the  treasury,  there  is  less  than  one  month’s  pay  due  to  any 
member  of  the  corps.  To  secure  this  result,  rigid  economy  has  been 
practise!.  Many  things,  much  to  be  desired,  have  not  been  purchased. 
The  apparatus  room  and  the  library  are  but  meagerly  furnished,  con- 
sidering the  character  of  the  institution.  And  in  all  departments,  the 
expenditures  have  been  kept  at  the  lowest  possible  limit.  As  a result 
of  this,  we  go  before  the  legislature,  only  with  a call  for  the  means  of 
future  usefulness.  We  have  no  deficiency  to  make  up.  Th  s institu- 
tion has  not  plunged  the  State  into  debt,  thus  enforcing  from  the  Leg- 
islature a larger  appropriation  than  the  merit  of  the  case  demands. 
And  we  offer  our  past  history  as  a guaranty  that  whatever  appropria- 
tions may  be  .made  to  us  will  be  judiciously  and  economically  expended. 

Sometime  since,  a circular  letter  was  addressed  by  the  President  of 
the  University  to  the  heads  of  the  different  Normal  Schools  in  the  coun- 
try, asking  for  a statement  of  the  amount  of  salaries  paid  in  them  respec- 
tively, and  also  the  number  of  students  instructed.  Answers  have  been 
received  as  follows : 


In  the  State  Normal  School  at  Westfield,  Mass,  the  average  annual^cost 

of  instructions,  per  scholar,  is 

In  the  State  Normal  School  at  Plattville,  Wisconsin, it  is 87 

In  the  State  Normal  School  at  Winona,  Minnesota,  it  is 57 

(Here  they  call  loudly  for  additional  appropriations.) 

In  the  State  Normal  School  at  Emporia,  Kansas,  it  is.. 84 

In  the  City  Normal  School  at  St.  Louis,  Missouri,  it  is < 0 

. o,.  r > r i tt.- 59 


In  the  State  Normal  University  of  Illinois,  it  is. 

WANTS  OF  THE  COMING  TWO  YEARS. 

Salaries,  including  Janitoi 
Books,  as  required  by  law, 
k Printing  and  Stationery, 

Ordinary  repairs. 

Furniture, 

Care  of  grounds, 

Museum, 

Freight,  Express,  Postage  and  Telegraph,  per  annum 

Expense  of  Board  of  Education,  per  annum 

Fuel,  

Janitor’s  supplies,  “ 

Chemicals  and  Apparatus,  “ • 


00 

00 

00 

00 

00 

00 


’s,  per  annum 

$22,000  00 

u 

2,0C0  00  - 

1 ,<J&  J u 

1,000  00  — 

/ cnro 

6)  u 

1,000  00  

/ crrr- 1? 

13  ^ u 

500  00  — 

4~ir~u 

.. 

250  00  - 

z.  jhj 

v 

2,500  00  _ 

600 

500 

750 

120 

500 


00 

00 

00 

00 

00 


^ 6<~U 

y j ~o 

/ 2-  a 

lT<3T 0 


Less,  as  heretofore,  Income  of  College  and  Sem.  Fund, 


SPECIAL  APPROPRIATION. 

Fence  around  the  grounds,  (one  mile,) 

Heating  and  Ventilation,  (new  boiler,) 

Trees  for  two  years, 


$31,720  00 
..12,444  99 


$19,275  01 

$10,000  00m 
..  4,000  00  -4- 
..  500  00 ■-*- 


$14,500  00 

DOES  THE  UNIVERSITY  DO  ITS  WORK  ? 

In  respect  to  this  institution  there  is  a question  which  the  people  of 
Illinois  are  entitled  to  ask,  and  to  which  they  may  justly  demand  a satis- 
factory answer.  And  that  question  is,  whether  its  instrumentalities  have 
been  efficiently  used  ; whether  the  institution  is  exerting  an  influence  up- 
on the  cause  of  education,  of  such  a degree  and  character  as  may  be 
reasonably  expected  of  it.  With  a view  ot  ascertaining  some  facts  that 
might  assist  us  in  answering  this  question,  the  following  circular  was 
addressed  to  gentlemen  prominent  in  their  own  neighborhoods,  and  in 
some  instances  throughout  the  State.  These  gentlemen  were  addressed 
because  of  their  well  known  familiarity  with  the  facts  to  which  they 
testify,  and  also  on  account  of  their  general  knowledge  of,  and  interest 
in,  educational  affairs.  The  circular  was  sent  to  all  localities  in  which 
our  pupils  were  known  to  be  teaching. 


y 

+ v 


^IjJU 


■/  , c 


VT?  , 


(8) 


State  Normal  University, 

Normal , 111,,  Oct.  29,  1966. 

Dear  Sir  : We  desire  an  authentic  statement  concerning  the  success  of  such 
graduates  and  pupils  of  our  institution  as  have  taught  or  are  now  teaching  in  your 
portion  of  the  State.  Will  you,  to  facilitate  the  attainment  of  this  object,  do  us  the 
honor  to  answer  by  letter,  and  as  soon  as  convenient,  the  following  questions  : 

1 . Have  any  of  the  graduates  or  pupils  of  this  institution  been  employed  as 
teachers  in  the  schools  of  your  vicinity? 

2.  What  degree  of  success  has  attended  their  labors  in  teachiug  and  in  gov- 
erning? 

2.  In  what  repute  is  the  University  held  by  the  people  in  your  portion  of  the 
State  ? 

4.  According  to  your  best  judgment,  is  the  University  a benefit  to  the  State, 
and  is  the  outlay  of  money  required  to  support  it  a judicious  and  profitable  expendi- 
ture? 

By  giving  as  full  and  explicit  an  answer  to  each  of  the  above  questions  as  your 
knowledge  of  the  facts  will  permit,  and  by  transmitting  the  same  at  your  earliest 
leisure,  y.ou  will  greatly  oblige 

Yours  very  respectfully, 

RICHARD  EDWARDS,  President  S.<N.  U. 

All  the  answers  received  to  the  above  circular  arc  printed  in  full  in 
the  lleport  of  the  President,  which  is  included  in  the  Sixth  Ilcport  of  the 
State  Superintendent  of  Instruction.  To  that  report  the  reader  is  re- 
ferred for  full  statements.  In  this  pamphlet  we  can  only  give  some  char- 
acteristic extracts  from  these  letters. 

E.  L.  Wells,  Esq.,  Superintendent  of  Schools  for  Ogle  county,  says; 

“Six  pupils  of  the  Illinois  State  Normal  University  have  been  employed  as  teach- 
ers in  the  schools  of  Ogle  county.  Two  of  these  are  graduates.  Another  graduate 
has  served  one  year  as  the  County  Superintendent  of  Schools. 

“Several  other  graduates  and  pupils  of  the  University,  from  Ogle  county,  have 
been  and  are  now  teaching  in  the  public  schools  of  some  of  the  large  cities  of  this 
and  other  States. 

“Without  an  exception,  these  persons  have  shown  themselves  successful  in  teach- 
ing and  in  governing. 

“For  its  thoroughness,  for  its  practical  work,  for  the  real  success  of  the  teachers 
sent  from  it,  the  University  is  and  must  be  considered,  by  every  person  acquainted 
with  it  and  its  results,  unsurpassed — and.  unequaled  by  any  other  institution  of 
learning  in  Illinois. 

“In  this  portion  of  the  State  the  University  has  the  highest  repute  wherever 
known,  and  is  fast  gaining  the  universal  good  repute  which  it  deserves. 

“I  believe  the  University  has  already  been  of  untold  benefit  to  the  State,  and  the 
outlay  of  money  required  to  support  it  is  the  most  judicious  and  profitable  expendi- 
ture that  the  Legislature  can  make  for  the  State.” 

Hon.  W.  II.  Green,  of  Cairo,  says  : 

“ I have  no  personal  knowledge  that  any  graduate  of  the  University  is  teaching 
in  the  lower  part  of  Southern  Illinois,  except  in  Cairo.  There  are  two  Normal 
graduates  engaged  in  our  public  schools,  and  one  who  was  two  years  a Oupil  of  the 
University  and  intends  returning  to  complete  the  Normal  Course.  The  Principal  of 
Public  Schools  of  this  city,  Mr.  E.  P.  Burlingham,  is  not  a graduate  of  the  Univer- 
sity, but  had  been,  as  you  will  bear  witness,  a most  successful  teacher  jn  lb?  Model 
Department,  before  his  valuable  services  were  secured  by  this  city, 


(9)  . 

“ All  the  teachers  referred  to  have  had  complete  success  in  their  labors,  and 
have  given  almost  universal  satisfaction. 

“ The  amount  of  good  being  annually  accomplished  by  the  Normal  University  in 
the  cause  of  education  is  not  generally  known.  All  who  have  had  opportunity  to 
observe  its  graduates,  and  compare  them  with  teachers  of  equal  experience  who 
have  not  had  the  benefit  of  a Normal  training,  are  enthusiastic  in  expressing  their 
favorable  opinion  of  the  University.  I know  not  of  a single  exception. 

“In  reply  to  your  fourth  inquiry,  I say  without  hesitation,  that,  in  my  opinion, 
the  Normal  University  is  a great  benefit  to  the  State.  It  is  to  the  educational  system 
of  the  State  what  the  West  Point  Military  Academy  is  to  the  military  system  of  the 
Federal  Government.  And,  as  a graduate  of  West  Point  is  better  qualified  than  a 
civilian  to  drill  a battalion,  so  is  the  graduate  of  our  Normal  University  better  qual- 
ified the  day  he  graduates  than  a man  of  equal  intellect  and  education  without  Nor- 
mal training  to  discharge  the  duties  of  a teacher.  There  are  very  many  most 
excellent  teachers  who  never  attended  a Normal  school,  as  there  have  been  many 
good  officers  without  a West  Point  education  ; but  the  one  class  have  learned  at  the 
expence  of  their  pupils,  and  the  other  at  the  expense  of  their  troops. 

“In  your  fourth  inquiry  you  desire  to  know  whether,  in  my  opinion,  ‘the  outlay’ 
of  money  required  to  support  the  Unversily  is  ‘a  judicious  and  profitable  expenditure.’ 
Beyond  controversy,  it  is  both  judicious  and  profitable.  And,  as  you  may  not  be  ( 
entirely  familiar  with  all  the  facts  connected  with  this  ‘outlay’,  please  allow  me 
briefly  to  remark  upon  it  : 

“ The  endowment  of  the  Normal  University  by  the  Incorporating  Act  was  not 
a gift  from  the  state.  It  was  only  a wise  and,  judicious  disposition  of  a trust  fund , 
of  ivhich  the  state  was  the  trustee , and  the  youth  of  the  state  were  the  beneficiaries. 
This  endowment  consists  of  the  interest  of  the  ‘University  or  College  fund,’  and  of 
the  ‘Seminary  fund.’  The  ‘University  or  College  fund’  was  created  by  the 
act  of  Congress  enabling  the  people  of  Illinois  Territory  ‘to  form  a Con- 
stitution’, in  which  it  is  provided  that  a certain  part  of  the  proceeds  of 
the  sales  of  public  lands  within  the  state  ‘shall  be  exclusively  bestowed  on  a 
College  or  University’.  The  ‘Seminary  Fund’  was  created  by  another 
section  of  the  same  act.  At  an  early  day  in  the  history  of  the  state,  a deficiency  in 
the  State  Treasury  induced  the  General  Assembly  to  sell  the  ‘Seminary  Township’ 
and  use  the  proceeds  ; and  subsequently  to  ‘borrow’  and  use  the  entire  ‘University 
or  College  Fund.’  By  an  act  approved  Feb.  6th,  1835,  this  fund,  then  de- 

posited in  the  Branch  Bank  of  the  United  States  at  St.  Louis,  was  taken  possession 
of,  placed  in  our  State  Treasury,  and,  in  the  language  of  the  act,  ‘applied  to  the  pay- 
ment of  demands  against  the  treasury  in  the  same  manner  as  money  derived  from  the 
ordinary  sources  of  revenue.’  By  the  same  act  it  was  provided  that  the  state  should 
be  ‘chargeable  with  the  interest  on  the  same  at  the  rate  of  6 per  cent,  per  annum.’ 
By  another  act  of  the  same  session,  this  6 per  cent,  was  appropriated  by  the  General 
Assembly  to  the  Common-School  Fund. 

Thus  you  will  see,  as  appears  by  the  legislation  to  which  I have  referred,  that 
the  state  appropriated  and  used  the  ‘University  or  College’  fund  and  the  ‘Seminary’ 
fund  for  over  twenty  years  without  right. 

In  1857  the  improved  financial  condition  of  the  State  enabled  the  General  As- 
sembly without  embarrassment  to  execute  the  trust  so  long  neglected.  It  was  deemed 
best  by  that  body  to  continue  its  possession  of  the  principal,  and  to  endow  a Normal 
University  with  the  accruing  interest.  In  1 86 1 an  appropriation  of  $65,000  was 
made  for  the  benefit  of  the  University  ; but  this  was  not  a donation — it  was  a part  of 
the  accumulated  interest  of  the  ‘ University'  fund,  which  the  State,  as  an  honest  trustee, 
could  not  omit  to  pay  to  the  new  University. 

“The  magnificent,  commodious,  and  convenient  University  building,  constructed 
at  the  cost  of  $182,000,  and  its  extensive  grounds  worth  $88,000,  were  not  paid  for 
py  the  State,  but  by  private  subscription, 


(10) 


“The  appropriation  referred  to  was  used  to  entirely  relieve  the  University  from 
the  unpaid  balance  of  the  debts  contracted  in  the  construction  of  the  building,  which 
had  exceeded  the  amount  of  the  subscriptions  collected. 

“Our  Supreme  Court  has  held  that  the  Noimal  University  is  not.  in  a legal 
sense,  a State  Institution.  The  General  Assembly  should  make  it  so  at  once.  It  is 
in  fact  a State  Institution;  it  should  be  so  in  law.  It  is  giving  character  to  our  State 
at  home  and  abroad,  and  will  soon  identify  the  State  of  Illinois  as  the  educational 
head  of  tiiis  great  sisterhood  of  States.  Nothing  will  so  much  tend  to  make  the  youth 
of  the  coming  generations  pr*ud  that  he  is  an  Illinoisian  as  the  Normal  University.” 

These  statements,  from  Mr.  Wells  and  Judge  Green,  may  be  taken  as 
representing  the  public  sentiment  in  the  northern  and  southern  extremes 
of  the  State.  Judge  (Ireen’s  letter  is  specially  valuable,  in  that  it  sets 
forth  the  financial  history  of  the  institution,  and  shows  how  little  the  en- 
terprise has  cost  the  State . And  its  declarations  on  this  point  are  all  the 
more  trustworthy,  from  the  fact  that  its  author  has  been  a member  of  the 
Legislature,  in  one  or  the  other  of  its  branches,  from  the  establishment  of 
the  LTniversity  to  the  present  time. 

The  statements  of  the  two  letters  above  quoted  are  abundantly  cor- 
roborated by  letters  from  the  following  gentlemen  : 

Hon.  J.  L.  PICKARD,  Supt.  of  Schools  in  Chicago. 

Rev.  S.  H.  STEVENSON,  Supt.  of  Schools  for  Putnam  Co.  ■ 

C.  E.  SMITH,  Esq.,  “ “ Kane  Co. 

Prof.  DANIEL  WILKINS,  “ “ McLean  Co. 

WM.  H.  GEST.  Esq.,  “ “ Rock  Island  Co. 

EDWARD  LANE,  Esq.,  of  Hillsboro,  Montgomery  Co. 

H.  H.  HILL,  Esq.,  Supt.  of  Schools  for  Livingston  Co. 

Hon.  C.  R.  GRIGGS,  of  Urbana,  Member  of  the  House  of  Representa- 
tives. 

WALTER  M.  HATCH,  Esq.,  of  Bloomington. 

G.  F.  FOSTER,  Esq.,  of  Brighton.  Macoupin  Co. 

Prof.  A.  J.  ANDERSON,  of  Newark,  Kendall  Co. 

WARREN  WILKIE,  Esq.,  of  Aurora,  . 

HENRY  B.  DURFEE,  Esq.,  of  Decatur. 

J.  H.  KNAPP,  Esq.,  Supt.  of  Schools  for  Knox  Co. 

W.  II.  WELLS,  Esq.,  formerly  Supt.  of  Schools  in  Chicago. 

W.  II.  HASKELL,  Esq.,  formerly  Supt,  of  Schools  for  Fulton  Co. 
WILLIAM  ROBINSON,  Esq.,  of  Brimfield,  Peoria  Co. 

N.  E.  WORTHINGTON,  Esq.,  Supt.  of  Schools  for  Peoria  Co. 
WILLIAM  A.  PENNELL,  Esq  , late  of  Putnam  Co. 

W.  A.  JONES,  Esq.,  of  Aurora, 

Rev.  G.  D.  HENDERSON,  of  Monmouth. 

Rev.  WILLIAM  G.  PIERCE,  of  Elmwood,  Peoria  Co. 

Dr.  H.  H.  LITTLEFIELD,  Beardstown,  Cass  Co. 

S.  F.  CORRINGTON,  Supt,  of  Schools  for  Green  Co. 

Rev.  CHESTER  COVELL,  late  Supt  of  Schools  for  Bureau  Co. 

E C.  SMITH,  Esq.,  Prin.  High  School,  Dixon,  Lee  Co. 

A.  J.  KINGMAN,  Esq.,  Supt.  of  Schools  for  McHenry  Co. 

CHARLES  H.  SEYBT,  Esq.,  of  Highland,  Madison  Co. 


(11) 

JOHN  F.  EBERHART,  Esq.,  Supt.  of  Schools  for  Cook  Co. 

E.  A.  PORTER,  Esq.,  of  DeKalb,  DeKalb  Co. 

R.  SMITH,  Esq  , of  Elgin. 

JOHN  A.  MALONE.  Esq.,  Supt.  of  Schools,  for  Randolph  Co. 

JAMES  M.  GOW,  Esq.,  Supt.  of  Schools  in  Rock  Island. 

GEORGE  MIXTER,  Esq.,  of  Rock  Island. 

NEWELL  MATHEWS,  Esq.,  of  Peoria. 

In  the  words  of  the  Superintendent,  these  letters  contain  “a  mass  of 
testimony  that  must  be  regarded  as  in  the  highest  degree  gratifying  to  the  \ 
friends  of  the  University,  and  a satisfactory  proof  that  it  is  achieving  the 
ends  for  which  it  was  established; ” He  adds  : “They  are  from  every 
portion  of  the  State,  and  reflect  the  unbiased  opinions  of  their  various 
writers,  founded  upon  personal  knowledge  and  observation.  With  a unan- 
imity and  emphasis  that  is  certainly  remarkable,  they  affirm  the  superior 
ability,  skill,  enthusiasm  and  success  of  the  graduates  of  the  Normal  Uni- 
versity.” 

Since  the  time  of  this  correspondence, the  influence  and  power  of  the 
University  have  been  greatly  enlarged.  Hundreds  of  young  persons  have 
gone  out  to  reinforce  those  concerning  whom  this  testimony  was  given. 

Two  years  after  the  date  of  this  circular  and  these  answers,  another 
was  sent  out,  and  the  responses  were,  if  anything,  still  more  emphatically 
favorable. 

The  University  has  furnished,  in  teachers,  students,  and  graduates, 
211  men  for  the  national  army.  They  ranked  as  follows : 


Commissioned  Officers  (one  of  whom  was  a Brig.  Gen.) 34 

Non-commissioned  Officers, 42 

Privates, 89 

Rank  unknown 4G 


Total 


211. 


(12) 


State  Teachers’  Institute. 


[From  Dr.  Bateman’s  Report,  1867-8.] 

Another  auxiliary  educational  force,  of  great  promise,  has  recently 
been  organized,  under  the  above  name.  The  history  of  “ The  State 
Teachers’  Institute”  is  as  follows  : 

During  the  earlier  part  of  the  year  1863,  it  was  suggested  to  Presi- 
dent Edwards’  of  the  State  Normal  University,  that  it  would  be  an  excel- 
lent thing  for  the  teachers,  and  for  the  cause  of  education  in  the  State, 
to  hold  a teachers’  institute  at  the  University,  beginning  in  September, 
and  continuing  as  long  as  should  be  thought  expedient.  In  accordance 
with  this  suggestion,  a circular  was  issued  inviting  all  who  could  to  meet, 
September  14th,  for  the  purpose  chiefly  of  “ thorough  drill  in  the  philos- 
ophy and  methods  of  teaching  the  common  branches  of  study.”  About 
fifteen  teachers  assembled  under  this  call,  and  an  institute  of  nearly  four 
weeks  was  held. 

At  the  tenth  annual  meeting  of  the  Illinois  State  Teachers’  Associa- 
tion, resolutions  were  passed  in  favor  of  an  institute  at  the  Normal  Uni- 
versity during  the  month  of  August,  and  President  Edwards  issued, 
May  1st,  a circular  stating  that  such  an  institute  would  be  held,  pro- 
vided seventy  five  teachers  would  pledge  themselves  to  attend.  More 
than  the  requisite  number  of  names  having  been  obtained,  the  institute 
was  advertised  to  meet  August  1st,  1864.  One  hundred  and  twenty- 
seven  teachers  became  members. 

This  session  of  the  institute  continued  four  weeks,  and  its  exercises 
were  conducted  almost  entirely  by  members  of  the  Normal  Faculty, 
who  rendered  their  services  gratuitously.  During  the  session,  a con- 
stitution was  adopted,  and  officers  elected  under  it,  with  the  design  of 
rendering  the  institute  a permanent  thing. 

However,  no  session  was  held  in  1865  or  1866.  Put  in  the  Illinois 
Teacher  for  May,  1867,  a notice  was  inserted  by  President  Edwards, 
stating  that  a session  would  be  lieid  in  July  or  August,  if  100 
teachers  of  the  State  would  promise  him  their  attendance  be- 
fore the  next  issue  of  the  Teacher.  A sufficient  number  having  done 
this,  a session  of  the  institute  was  advertised  to  begin  August  5th,  and 
continue  four  ’weeks.  Seventy-one  were  present  the  first  day,  and  the 
number  was  subsequently  swelled  to  255.  Among  the  number  present 
at  this  session  were  some  of  the  most  prominent  teachers  of  the  State. 
Not  less  than  four  county  superintendents  were  members  of  the  institute, 
and  were  earnest  workers  in  its  exercises.  All  the  male  members  of  the 
Normal  Faculty  took  part  in  the  instructions,  together  with  Professor 
Pillsbury  and  Miss  Edith  T.  Johnson,  of  the  Normal  School ; as  before, 
their  services  were  given  without  pay.  During  this  session,  the  institute 
passed  a yofcc  igviting  the  iri^tniOtors  to.  yfritq  out  a synopsis  of  $$  lessons 


they  gave,  for  publication  with  the  catalogue.  This  invitation  was  com- 
plied with,  and  an  edition  of  500  copies  was  printed  at  the  expense 
of  the  institute.  The  book  contained  194  pages,  and  was  sold 
for  one  dollar  per  copy.  Members  of  the  institute  and  man}  other  teach- 
ers were  so  eager  to  obtain  copies,  that  the  whole  edition  was  exhausted 
in  less  than  six  months  after  the  book  appeared  Several  lectures  were 
given  during  the  session  by  members  of  the  faculty  and  others,  four  of 
which  were  published  with  the  report  before  mentioned. 

Early  in  the  summer  of  1868,  President  Edwards  published  in  the 
Illinois  Teacher  a call  for  another  session  of  the  institute,  to  be  held 
at  Normal  in  the  following  August.  Later,  however,  the  call  was 
countermanded,  because  it  appeared  that  several  members  of  the  Nor- 
mal faculty  would  be  absent  at  the  time  of  the  proposed  meeting. 
But  early  in  July  President  Edwards  received  such  urgent  requests 
from  teachers  of  the  state  for  a Session  of  the  institute  that  he  renewed 
the  call,  announcing  a session  of  two  weeks,  to  begin  August  3d. 

The  result  was  a most  successful  session,  attended  by  many  who 
had  been  present  at  previous  sessions,  together  with  many  others  nqt 
less  prominent  or  earnest.  Notwithstanding  the  uncertainty  which  had 
existed  in  respect  to  the  meeting,  and  also  the  briefer  length  of  the 
session,  248  names  were  enrolled.  The  same  teachers  of  the  Univer- 
sity, except  Dr.  Sewall  and  Prof.  Metcalf,  who  were  absent  in  New  Eng- 
land, gave  instruction.  They  were  aided  by  Prof.  Reynolds,  of  Chicago,  J. 
II.  Blodgett,  Esq.,  of  Rockford,  and  Mrs.  Mary  Howe  Smith,  of  Oswego,  N. 
Y.  Lectures  were  given  by  President  Edwards,  Dr.  M.  Gregory,  and 
the  State  Superintendent  of  Public  Instruction. 

One  half-day  and  evening  were  given  to  the  consideration  of  Sunday- 
school  teaching,  including  model  lessons.  This  feature  was  regarded  as 

O'  O o 

highly  interesting  and  profitable,  both  by  the  members  of  the  institute, 
and  by  the  large  number  of  citizens  who  were  present.  At  this  session, 
the  members  of  the  institute  united  in  inviting  the  faculty  to  re-issue  the 
synopsis  of  lessons  published  the  previous  year,  together  with  such  addi- 
tions as  they  might  choose  to  insert,  and  to  offer  the  book  to  the  teachers 
of  Illinois  as  a kind  of  manual  of  instruction.  The  invitation  has  been  ac- 
cepted, and  the  appearance  of  the  book  may  be  expected. 

One  curious  fact  is,  that  a majority  of  those  at  the  session  of  1864 
were  born  out  of  the  State,  while  more  than  half  of  those  present  in  1867 
and  1868  were  natives  of  Illinois.  Such,  in  brief  outline,  is  the  history 
of  our  State  Teachers’  Institute. 

The  object  at  which  the  institute  aimed  is,  perhaps,  as  well  express- 
ed as  can  be,  by  the  resolutions  passed  at  the  previous  session.  The  fol- 
lowing is  their  language : 

Resolved , That  we  are  greatly  strengthened  and  encouraged  by  our  mutual  inter- 
course dnring  the  past  two  weeks ; that  we  feel  our  professional  enthusiasm  renew- 
ed; and  that  we  shall  return  to  our  respective  fields  of  labor  fdled  with  an  ardent  de- 
sire to  do  good. 

Resolved , That  we  recognize  in  the  State  Teachers’  Institute  a powerful  agent 
for  good,  awakening,  as  it  does,  enthusiasm,  enabling  us  to  gain  a clearer  and  higher 


(14) 

view  of  our  noble  profession ; uniting  us  in  our  efforts  to  overcome  ignorance  and 
vice,  and  making  us  feel  the  constant  need  of  self-improvement,  increased  watchful- 
ness, and  untiring  devotion  to  our  work. 

The  object  was  to  awaken  professional  enthusiasm,  to  present  new 
thoughts  on  teaching,  or  old  thoughts  in  a new  light,  as  well  as  actually 
to  bring  the  teachers  under  the  direct  tuition  of  those  men  who,  by  their 
previous  training  and  experience,  are  so  well  fitted  to  be  the  teachers  in 
our  Normal  University,  standing,  as  it  does,  at  the  head  of  the  free  school 
system  of  Illinois.  The  object  has  been  fully  justified  by  the  results. 

The  resolutions  just  quoted  are  themselves  the  reiterated  testimony 
of  the  large  and  intelligent  body  of  teachers  who  so  heartily  voted  for 
them,  as  to  the  results  of  the  movement.  Another  excellent  result  has 
been,  that  by  the  State  Institute,  the  teachers  of  the  State  have  been  led 
to  appreciate,  and  sympathize  with  the  Normal  University,  as  they  could  in 
no  other  way.  Another  resolution  passed  in  1867,  and  reaffirmed  in  1868, 
expresses  this  fact,  in  the  words  of  the  teachers  themselves.  The  resolu- 
tion is  as  follows  : 

Resolved,  That  in  our  State  University  we  recognize  a grand  educational  cen- 
ter, from  which  radiates  a healthy  Christian  culture ; that  it  is  fulfilling  its  great  mis- 
sion ii£ affording  thorough  drill,  mental  discipline,  and  the  best  methods  ®f  instruc- 
tion. 

I can  but  observe,  however,  that  the  State  Institute  has  had  much  to 
do  with  the  large  increase  in  the  attendance  at  the  Normal  University. 
By  referring  to  President  Edwards’  report,  marked  B,  in  the  appendix  to 
this  report,  it  will  be  seen  that,  in  the  fall  of ’63  and  ’64,  when  the  Insti- 
tute held  sessions,  the  attendance  in  the  Normal  School  was  much  in 
creased;  that,  in  the  two  following  years,  when  there  was  no  session  of  the 
Institute,  the  attendance  fell  off ; but,  after  the  sessions  of ’67  and  ’68,  the 
increase  is  again  very  marked.  Indeed,  several  of  those  who  were  present 
at  the  Institute  were  induced  by  that  fact,  to  enroll  themselves  as  members 
of  the  Normal  School. 

It  seems  clear  to  my  mind,  therefore,  that  the  results  of  the  Institute 
have  thus  far  been  excellent,  in  all  points  of  view,  and  to  an  eminent  de- 
gree. And,  for  these  good  results,  the  State  is  indebted  chiefly  to  the 
ability,  energy  and  unflagging  enthusiasm  of  President  llichard  Edwards, 
seconded,  as  he  has  been  so  ably,  by  his  worthy  coadjutors.  But  what 
does  the  Institute  promise  for  the  future  ? 

At  the  session  of  1868,  it  was  voted  to  make  the  Institute  perma- 
nent; and  a meeting  for  1869  was  ordered,  to  begin  at  Normal,  on  the 
9th  of  next  August,  and  to  continue  two  weeks.  The  best  energies  of 
the  President  and  Faculty  of  the  University  are  again  promised  to  the 
teachers  of  the  State,  “without  money  and  without  price.”  And  such 
will  doubtless  be  the  case  from  year  to  year,  at  least,  so  long  as  the 
chairs  of  the  Normal  University  are  tilled  by  their  present  incumbents 
— probably  longer. 

Thus,  we  may  say  that  our  State  Teachers’  Institute  will  probably 
continue  a permanent  fountain  of  instruction  and  enthusiasm  to  the 


(15) 

teachers  of  Illinois,  and  a perpetual  bond  of  union  between  those  who 
are  laboring,  in  the  Normal  University,  to  instruct  teachers  of  the 
State,  and  the  teachers  themselves,  who  are  laboring  here  and  there 
over  its  broad  area,  to  inciease  and  perpetuate  its  power  and  beneficence, 
by  the  wise  and  Christian  culture  of  its  rising  generation. 

I am  required  by  law  to  report  to  the  Legislature,  at  its  regular 
sessions,  the  condition  and  expenditures  of  the  Normal  University,  and 
to  communicate  such  further  information  as  the  State  Board  of  Ed- 
ucation or  the'Legislature  may  direct. 

The  receipts  and  expenditures  of  that  institution  for  the  years 
1867-8,  have  alreadv  been  given  in  this  report;  it  remains  to  speak  of 
its  general  condition,  progress,  prospects  and  needs.  But  all  these  are 
so  fully  and  circumstantially  stated  in  the  reports  of  the  State  Board  of 
Education,  and  of  the  President  of  the  University,  which  I am  directed 
to  publish  in  this  report,  and  which  will  be  found  in  auother  place, 
that  I need  only  refer  to  those  documents  for  the  information  which  it 
would  otherwise  have  been  my  duty  to  furnish. 

This  noble  institution  moves  steadily  on  in  its  great  work.  It  is  a 
distinct,  positive,  and  acknowledged  educational  power  in  the  State. 
Its  influence  pervades  and  penetrates  the  whole  school  system,  through 
and  through,  and  there  is  not  a county  in  the  State  where  its  presence 
is  not  felt.  It  has  settled  down,  by  a sort  of  loving  adoption,  into  the 
hearts  of  the  people,  as  a. part  of  the  inviolable  heritage  of  themselves 
and  of  their  children  forever. 

It  has  grown  so  gradually,  and  yet  so  steadily  and  tenaciously 
into  the  educational  framework  of  the  state,  that  it  could  not  now  be  des- 
troyed without  rending  asunder,  or  convulsing,  the  entire  fabric  of' which 
it  is  a part.  It  is  associated  with  all  our  thoughts  and  plans  of  public 
education  in  the  state.  Suppose  the  act  creating  it  were  to  be  repealed, 
or  it  should  be  overtaken  by  some  sudden  and  destructive  calamity,  or 
by  some  other  catastrophe  the  Illinqis  Normal  University  should  be  blot- 
ted out — who  would  not  realize,  in  the  sincerity  of  his  grief,  how  firmly 
that  school  was  anchored  in  his  heart — how  closely  linked  with  his  hopes 
of  the  educational  future  of  the  state? 

It  has  been  fortunate  in  the  men  who  have  stood  at  its  head.  In  the 
beginning,  when  their  was  everything  to  be  done  and  nothing  to  do  with, 
the  indomitable,  persistent,  tenacious  Hovey  was.  at  the  helm,  beating 
down  opposition,  laughing  at  the  fears  of  the  timid,  reversing  the  motto. 
ex  nihilo , nihil , by  pushing  to  completion  the  finest  and  best  normal 
building  on  the  continent,  without  either  money  or  credit.  VVhen  the 
war  broke  out,  and  Hovey  was  called  from  the  head  of  the  University 
which  he  had  done  so  much  to  create,  to  the  head  of  the  regiment  which 
he  had  raised,  the  polished  and  scholarly  Bass  safely  led  the  institution 
across  the  interval  of  a year  which  intervened  between  the  resignation 
of  the  first  principle  and  the  installation  of  the  third.  Of  President 
Edwards  I need  not  speak — the  history  of  the  University  for  the  past 
six  years ; its  condition  to  day,  crowded  with  a thousand  earnest,  en- 


( le ) 

thusiastie  students  ; its  grand  pre-eminence  among  all  its  sisters  in  the 
Republic;  the  echoes  of  living  words  of  wisdom  and  eloquence  that 
linger  in  thousands  of  hearts  all  over  the  States — let  these  bear  witness 
of  him  and  of  his  work,  of  his  power  as  an  educator  and  his  worth  as 
a man. 

The  institution  has  been  fortunate,  too,  from  the  first,  in  the  abili- 
ty, strength  and  devotion  of  its  Faculty  and  Instructors.  Its  corps  of 
teachers  has  never  been  an  ordinary  one,  never  without  names  of  mark 
in  the  highest  educational  circles.  Of  its  earlier  instructors,  one  is  now 
at  the  head  of  an  important  college,  another  fills  the  chair  of  mathe- 
matics in  an  institution  of  high  repute  in  a neighboring  State,  and 
others  are  in  positions  scarcely  less  honorable  and  responsible.  Of  the 
present  Faculty  it  is  enough  to  say  that  its  reputation  for  ability  has  been 
repeatedly  attested  and  its  loyalty  to  the  University  tried,  by  the  proffer 
of  temptingly  large  salaries  and  less  laborious  service  in  connection  with 
other  institutions  and  enterprises  in  this  and  other  States.  But  thus 
far  they  have  declined  these  offers,  remaining  steadfast  to  the  interests 
and  fortunes  of  the  institution  with  which  some  of  them  have  been  con- 
nected from  the  first,  in  full  faith  that  sacrifices  cheerfully  made  for  the 
welfare  of  the  University  in  the  years  of  its  infancy  and  weakness, 
would  be  suitably  recognized  when  its  time  of  maturity  and  strength 
should  come.  In  this  reasonable  expectation  they  should  not,  and,  l 
believe,  will  not,  be  disappointed.  Their  views  in  respect  to  compensa- 
tion are  very  moderate.  There  is  not  one  of  them  who  could  not  at  auy 
time  receive  in  other  positions  a larger  remuneration  than  that  which 
they  have  indicated  their  willingness  to  accept  from  the  State  Board  of 
Education. 


